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The Castle

By Franz Kafka
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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3.92 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Castle, by Franz Kafka, follows a protagonist named K. who arrives in a village governed by a mysterious bureaucracy centred around a castle. K. attempts to gain access and validation from the elusive authorities inside the castle while facing obstacles from the village's residents and officials. The novel explores themes of isolation, authority, and the perpetual struggle for acceptance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate exploring themes of alienation and bureaucracy through a surreal narrative. Its enigmatic story follows a protagonist's futile quest to gain access to an elusive authority, evoking a profound sense of existential inquiry. Ideal for readers who relish a blend of philosophical musings and absurdist scenarios.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Features K., the unwanted Land Surveyor who is never to be admitted to the Castle nor accepted in the village, and yet cannot go home. As he encounters dualities of certainty and doubt, hope and fear, and reason and nonsense, K.'s struggles in the labyrinthine world where he finds himself seem to reveals a truth about the nature of existence.

Kafka began The Castle in 1922 and it was never finished, yet this, the last of his great novels, feels strangely complete.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Castle is Kafka's last great, unfinished novel— the book that hangs over the whole modern era like a nightmare.

The Castle tells the story of K., the unwanted Land Surveyor who is never to be admitted to the Castle nor accepted in the village, and yet cannot go home. As he encounters dualities of certainty and doubt, hope and fear, and reason and nonsense, K.'s struggles in the absurd, labyrinthine world where he finds himself seem to reveal an inexplicable truth about the nature of existence.

Kafka began The Castle in 1922 and it was never finished, yet this, the last of his three great novels, draws fascinating conclusions that make it feel strangely complete.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The new translation of The Castle is celebrated for its fidelity to Kafka's original manuscript, offering an almost breathless style that captures his unique voice. It represents a significant event for English-language readers, providing a more faithful rendition than previous editions. This edition is noted for its clarity, visual power, and exceptional readability, making it a fresh experience for audiences new or familiar with Kafka's work.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241197806

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by J. A. Underwood
  • Introduction by Idris Parry
  • Introduction by John Zilcosky

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 238g

Pages: 320

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Fiction Franz Kafka General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was born of Jewish parents in Prague. Several of his story collections were published in his lifetime and his novels, The Trial, The Castle, and Amerika, were published posthumously by his editor Max Brod. Translated by J. A. Underwood with an introduction by Idris Parry.

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